It doesn't have to be super-expensive to get world-class sound. Have a look at the Modwright Truth Transporter as an example. Even the base Logitech Transporter is a pretty good-sounding unit. It employs the AK4396 so-called "Miracle DAC" which is one of today's top chips. The stock digital and clock circuits are exceptional, featuring discrete Jung Super Voltage Regulators for both precision master clock and DAC. The digital input circuit is state of the art. The Modwright version adds a Class A, tube-rectified, zero-feedback tube analog stage, with either RCA or balanced XLR outputs. The unit has integral volume control so it can run directly into a power amp as your sole source, if desired.
If you already have computers/a network in your house it's a cinch to add a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device as your server. I bought the ModwrightTP (for $3600) and a windows home server box (for $529 at Amazon), loaded the software and was playing music in less time that it took to set up my last turntable. And all the computer hardware is in another part of the house, so there's no disturbing whirrs or beeps in my music room.
Sound quality is better than any of the other 3 players I have (McIntosh MCD7007, Audio Aero Capitole, and Musical Fidelity A5). In fact, I've rarely turned them on since going electronic digital. Prolly time to sell 'em.
Yes, ripping all the CD's is a pain in the butt. And LP's are even more problematic. But the sound quality shouldn't be a deterrent, even in top systems. And the post-rip convenience factor can't be denied. I love being able to compare alternate versions of the same symphony without hunting through my CD collection. And the future looks bright for this format as well: I'm looking forward to future high-res download capabilities.
Sounds like you have a great system. Can't argue with your choice of front end. But this one is pretty good too. Something to consider as this stuff rapidly evolves.
HTH
If you already have computers/a network in your house it's a cinch to add a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device as your server. I bought the ModwrightTP (for $3600) and a windows home server box (for $529 at Amazon), loaded the software and was playing music in less time that it took to set up my last turntable. And all the computer hardware is in another part of the house, so there's no disturbing whirrs or beeps in my music room.
Sound quality is better than any of the other 3 players I have (McIntosh MCD7007, Audio Aero Capitole, and Musical Fidelity A5). In fact, I've rarely turned them on since going electronic digital. Prolly time to sell 'em.
Yes, ripping all the CD's is a pain in the butt. And LP's are even more problematic. But the sound quality shouldn't be a deterrent, even in top systems. And the post-rip convenience factor can't be denied. I love being able to compare alternate versions of the same symphony without hunting through my CD collection. And the future looks bright for this format as well: I'm looking forward to future high-res download capabilities.
Sounds like you have a great system. Can't argue with your choice of front end. But this one is pretty good too. Something to consider as this stuff rapidly evolves.
HTH